Larissa

The first name Larissa has its origins in Greek mythology and is associated with a nymph. Several ancient sites in Greece, including Lárisa (Λάρισα) and the fortress Larissa in the Peloponnese, bear this name.

What does the name Larissa mean?

The origin of the name Larissa is not fully clarified, but it is often linked to a nymph from Greek mythology. The fortress Larissa is frequently interpreted as 'the citadel,' while the city of Larissa is associated with 'the one from (the city of) Larissa.' Folk etymologically, Larissa is also seen as a derivation of the ancient Greek term lārós (λᾱρός), meaning 'lovely, pleasant,' which gives the name the meaning 'the Lovely.' Another interpretation sees a connection to láros (λάρος), the ancient Greek word for 'seabird, gull,' leading to 'the gull.' In mythology, there are two nymphs with this name: the Thessalian Larissa, daughter of King Pelasgos, and the Argive Larissa, who is considered the mother of Pelasgos, a son of Poseidon. The name was chosen in 1991 for the seventh moon of the Neptune system. Although of Greek origin, it became particularly popular in Slavic regions, especially in Russia, where it has been known since the 19th century, mainly due to the veneration of Saint Larissa. In Germany, the name gained popularity only towards the end of the 20th century and was among the most common female first names in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, it is still often chosen but no longer ranks among the top names. Popular short forms include Lara, while Larisa, Larysa, and Laryssa are used less frequently. Notable bearers of the name include Austrian actress and model Larissa Marolt and German actress and singer Lina Larissa Strahl.

Where does the name Larissa come from?

Larissa is a female first name with ancient Greek roots and meanings such as 'the one from (the city of) Larissa' or 'the Lovely.' The ancient Greek word components are lārós (λᾱρός) for 'lovely, pleasant' and láros (λάρος) for 'seabird, gull.' The name is widespread in several languages, including German, Greek, Russian, Slavic, Ukrainian, and Belarusian.

How do you pronounce Larissa?

The pronunciation of the name Larissa is soft and can be described as three to four syllables. In German, it is usually pronounced as 'La-ris-sa' [laˈʁɪsa], with the middle syllable being stressed. The double 's' sound gives the name a compact center, while the open 'a' at the end creates a harmonious sound. Larissa sounds feminine and melodious - modern, lively, and present.

When is the name day of Larissa?

The name day of Larissa is celebrated on March 26 to commemorate Saint Larissa.

Popularity

Larissa is very popular in Germany. The name currently ranks 462nd on the list of the most common female first names. Its best placement was in 2005, when it reached 70th place. In the last ten years, Larissa has been given about 2,200 times, placing it 289th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 228th. Internationally, the popularity of the name varies; in Austria, it ranked 148th in the last ten years.

Nicknames & pet names

Clarissa / Isa / Issa / Issi / Issy / La / Laily / Laissa / Lal / Lala / Lali / Lalila / Lana / Lar / Lara / Lare / Lari / Lari Fari / Laria / Larie / Larifahri / Larifant / Larile / Laris / Larisaa / Larisch / Larischa / Larisita / Lariss / Larissi / Larisski / Larosa / Larri / Larry / Larsi / Lassa / Lassi / Lassy / Latsch / Latschilein / Lissa / Lissi / Lissy / Litschi / Liz / Lizka / Lizzy / Lys / Rissa / Rissala / Rissi / Schlarissel

Similar first names

Larysa

Famous people

• Lárissa (Greek city)
• Larissa (astronomy) (moon of the planet Neptune)
• Larissa Alexandrowna Zhao (from Russia)
• Larissa Boehning (* 1971), German writer
• Larissa Bonfante (Italian archaeologist)
• Larissa Cain (French writer)
• Larissa Dias (Brazilian dancer)
• Larissa Franca (Brazilian beach volleyball player)
• Larissa Inangorore (Burundian swimmer)
• Larissa Iwanowna Djadkowa (opera singer from Russia)
• Larissa Jewgenjewna Lasutina (skier from Russia)
• Larissa Joyce Melody Haase (singer)
• Larissa Jurjewna Selesnjowa (figure skater from the USA)
• Larissa Kastein (daughter of Lothar, founder of Circus Flic-Flac)
• Larissa Kleinmann (German racing cyclist)
• Larissa Kohl (actress)
• Larissa Lai (Canadian writer)
• Larissa Loyva (Canadian musician)
• Larissa Mahn (German footballer)
• Larissa Manoela (Brazilian actress)